Psychological Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic Research Articles

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on chronic disease patients in Dessie town government and private hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia

Background and aimsThe novel corona virus disease which was first detected in China, December 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2. In Ethiopia, the number of infected peoples has been increased from day to day, despite government mitigation measures. But in our country the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients with chronic diseases was unknown. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 and its associated factors among chronic disease patients. MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 413 chronic disease patients in Dessie town government and private hospitals from July 20 to August 5, 2020. Impact of event scale revised questionnaire was used for data collection. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to show the association between outcomes and independent variables. In multivariable analysis, significant association was declared at p-value of <0.05. ResultsOverall, COVID-19 had abnormal psychological impact on 22.8% (95% CI: 18.6–27.1) of chronic disease patients. Age, sex, duration of chronic disease, respiratory symptoms and having no social support were factors for abnormal psychological impact. ConclusionCOVID-19 had abnormal psychological impact on one-fourth of chronic disease patients. Therefore, the government, health professionals and researchers should contribute to prevent the psychological impact ofCOVID-19 on chronic disease patients.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Persistent Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Professionals of Pakistan (A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Survey Based Study)

Background: Highly stressful events like epidemics and pandemics lead to significant chronic psychological burden especially in vulnerable populations like health professionals. Few studies have been carried out during COVID-19 pandemic to find the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in health professionals in low income countries. It is important assess the magnitude of this problem in order to formulate effective coping strategies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out in multiple cities from August to October across Pakistan. Doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare staff working in primary, secondary, and tertiary clinical setups during the outbreak were requested to fill a questionnaire including demographic details, Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), and 21 items Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) both in English and Urdu language for better understanding of allied healthcare staff. Results: Overall 28.8% healthcare professionals had self-reported symptoms of post -traumatic stress disorder and 17.3% had severe PTSS. 22.75% participants had moderate to extremely severe depression, 33.75% had moderate to extremely severe anxiety, and 12% reported moderate to extremely severe stress. Conclusions: Even after the peak phase of the pandemic was over, its mental health impact persisted specially in health professionals. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appear gradually and can lead to significant physical co-morbidities like musculoskeletal pain and heart problems. There is a need to formulate proper protocols at the national and international level to prevent and manage these issues in future. Funding: The authors received no funding from any organization or financial body.Declaration of Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare.Ethics Approval Statement: Survey based research was conducted after taking permission from ethical review board of Rawalpindi Medical University Rawalpindi and Medical Teaching Institution Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan both of which are recognized by National Bioethical Committee Pakistan. Institutional permissions for data collection were obtained from all institutes where the printed forms were distributed. A detailed informed consent was obtained from each participant.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health-care professionals in India – A multicentric cross-sectional study

Objectives:The world is grappling with an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has shaken the mankind to the core and disrupted the lives of everyone. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia experienced by the Indian healthcare workers.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in India among 777 doctors to evaluate the mental health of doctors working in Corona wards from April 2020 to May 2020 using a pre-designed, pre-tested validated, semi-structured DASS-21 questionnaire, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Continuous variables between the groups were measured using the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test.Results:Among the doctors working for the pandemic, around 55% of medical officers in the study reported having moderate levels of depression. With respect to anxiety, it was found that among men as many as 52% reported experiencing severe anxiety and 24% had moderate levels of anxiety whereas females reported as high as 68% and 48% of moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. In our study, around 30% and 44% of male doctors reported mild and moderate levels of stress, respectively, whereas 70% and 56% of female doctors reported mild and moderate levels of stress, respectively. It was also observed that among female doctors the rates of moderate insomnia were especially high (65%), whereas a high level of male participants reported sub-threshold insomnia (52%).Conclusion:Early screening targeting the medical workforce and the implementation of psychological interventions is essential for protecting and maintaining the functionality of the health-care system.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Population of Bahrain

Background and Aim: The pandemic of COVID-19 is a global crisis that is considered a stressful event directly and indirectly (via prophylactic measures taken) for people in any society. It can have an impact on mental health resulting in a plethora of symptoms. Method: This study measures the psychological impact, demonstrated by the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. An online semi-structured questionnaire has been used with all participants, and with the measure The Arabic version of The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21). The study design was cross-sectional. Which was conducted in April-May 2020. The sample was (n=1115) from Bahrain’s population, (1081 Bahraini) and (33 non-Bahraini), aged 18 and above, 701 females, most of them were graduated and employed. Results showed 30% were with depressive symptoms, 18.2% have exhibited symptoms, and 30.8% reported stress symptoms. Females were higher than males in depressive and anxiety symptoms. While no gender differences in stress symptoms. The younger age group showed more distress across the board with symptoms reported decreasing with age. Students were also noticed to be the group reporting the highest symptoms, together with people with the lowest income.Conclusion The study has demonstrated a high psychological impact on the population of Bahrain with around a third of the population demonstrating some level of distress.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Caregivers of People With Dementia

Caregivers of people with dementia (pwD) are at risk of depression, anxiety, and burden. COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed lockdown as a preventive measure might increase psychological symptoms in caregivers. The authors performed a study to measure the change of psychological symptoms during quarantine or self-isolation for COVID-19 in a sample of Italian caregivers of pwD, and to investigate if the resilience is associated with psychological changes in the sample. Eighty-four caregivers of pwD completed an online survey including questionnaires assessing depressive symptomatology and anxiety before and during the lockdown, caregiver burden and levels of resilience. The multivariate analysis of variance revealed an effect of time (before and during the lockdown) in the whole group on depression scores; a significant interaction between time and resilience was found on anxiety scores, revealing that caregivers with high resilience showed a more significant increase of anxiety levels during lockdown than caregivers with low resilience. Moreover, the regression analysis revealed that caregiver burden was associated negatively with resilience scores, and positively with higher functional dependence. COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown produced psychological consequences in caregivers of pwD, with an increase of levels of depression. Moreover, high resilience had a negative effect on anxiety levels and no effect on depressive symptomatology during the lockdown; moreover, it was associated with lower levels of caregiver burden. All caregivers, even those with high resilience levels, should be addressed to psychological interventions to reduce levels of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden.

VP45.01: Maternal anxiety during pregnancy induced by coronavirus pandemic: a prospective observational study

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy during the period of maximum spread of the virus. We considered 200 pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic of Ospedale Cristo Re Università Roma Tor Vergata. A multisection questionnaire was sent by web to each included woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID 19 in Italy (8–10 March 2020). Part A was finalised to acquire imaternal characteristics and to test the women's perception of infection and their fears of fetal structural anomalies, growth restriction and preterm birth induced by COVID-19. Part B included the State–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAIT) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAIS). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when ≥ 40. The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAIT was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAIT score ≥40 was evidenced. STAIS values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAIT and STAIS (Pearson = 0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAIS ≥ 40(p = 0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Our data support how a serious stressful event significantly increases anxiety levels in pregnant women. Indeed, in our setting COVID-19 infection induces a doubling of the number of women who reached an abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing support procedures on these subjects.

A University Students' Response to an Article on the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Bench-Sheko Zone [Letter

A University Students' Response to an Article on the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Bench-Sheko Zone [Letter

Abstract PO-033: Professional and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and radiation oncology residents: Results of a national survey

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted clinical practices in oncology leading to organizational, ethical, and medical issues. It has raised challenges in a context of competing care priorities between COVID-19 and cancer treatment. Residents and fellows were in the front line and had to face difficulties related to increasing care needs and urgent reorganization of the health care system while managing stress and uncertainty. Methods: We conducted a national survey (39 questions) in France among all oncology and radiation therapy residents to describe psychological impact and difficulties encountered by residents (i.e., reassignment, training/research time, supervision, teleworking, management of patients) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Overall, 222 residents (oncologists: 61% and radiation therapists: 39%) participated in our survey (representing around one third of all residents and fellows in France). Reassignment in COVID-19 wards involved 32% of respondents. Training and research activity were decreased for 89% and 41% of respondents, respectively. 70% have been confronted with ethical issues, 35% felt worried about their health, and 23% experienced psychological distress. According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 32% were anxious and 17% depressive. Consumption of tobacco, psychostimulants, and alcohol was increased in 45%, 40%, and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: French oncology residents were highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of training and emotions. This national survey can be used as a basis for improved management, medical reorganization, and training of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when further waves are not excluded. Citation Format: Marc Hilmi, Alice Boilève, Anabelle Ducousso, Morgan Michalet, Anthony Turpin, Cindy Neuzillet, Natacha Naoun. Professional and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and radiation oncology residents: Results of a national survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-033.

&lt;p&gt;The Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Bench-Sheko Zone, South-west Ethiopia: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study&lt;/p&gt;

BackgroundCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause a wide range of illness from the common cold to more severe diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic is a public emergency of international concern that affects several nations. The widespread outbreak of COVID-19 virus has brought not only the risk of death but also major psychological pressure. However, the psychological impact on university students has not been studied in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the psychological impacts of COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Bench-Sheko Zone, South-west, Ethiopia, 2020.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to June 15/2020. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify candidates and independent factors respectively. Independent factors of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using AORs with 95% confidence level at P-value <0.05 cut point.ResultsThree hundred and twenty-two university students were included with a 97.5% response rate. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 21.2%, 27.7%, and 32.5%, respectively. Being female, staying at home, history of medical illness, and poor and moderate social support increased the risk of depression. Not living with their parents, relatives got coronavirus and low family income were risk factors for anxiety. Moreover, substance use, depression, anxiety, and poor social support were increasing the risk of stress among university students.Conclusions and RecommendationsThis study revealed a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students. Thus, governments and policy makers should develop health system strategies to provide crisis-oriented psychological services for university students to minimize the mental health impact of the outbreak.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Spanish adolescents: risk and protective factors of emotional symptoms

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents is one of the most prevalent concerns all over the world. Adolescence is a developmental stage of high vulnerability due to the challenges this period entails. Additionally, the health emergency crisis has put adolescents even more at risk of developing mental health problems. The present study aims to examine the influence of socio-demographic and COVID-19 related variables on symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in adolescents during pandemic-related confinement in Spain. Participants were 523 adolescents (63.1% female), aged between 13 and 17 years (M=14.89 years; SD=1.13 years), who completed an ad hoc questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and The Oviedo Infrequency Scale (INFO-OV). A descriptive and cross-sectional study design was used, and descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results indicate that socio-demographic and COVID-19 related variables play a significant role in the development of emotional symptomatology in adolescents during the current pandemic. Girls more than boys, adolescents who did volunteer work and those who stayed home more often were more likely to experience depression, anxiety or stress symptoms. Experiencing a stressing life event and searching for COVID-19 related information more often was related to psychological distress. On the other hand, adolescents who were in a romantic relationship and had been infected with the coronavirus, were more likely to be mentally healthy. Further research is necessary in order to detect risk and protective variables that impact adolescent’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients included in a bariatric surgery program.

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has radically impacted the world lifestyle. Epidemics are well-known to cause mental distress, and patients with a current or past history of obesity are at increased risk for the common presence of psychological comorbidities. This study investigates the psychological impact of the current pandemic in patients participating in a bariatric surgery program.MethodsPatients were consecutively enrolled during the Italian lockdown among those waiting for bariatric surgery or attending a post-bariatric follow-up, and were asked to complete through an online platform the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 and a self-assessment questionnaire of 22 items evaluating the resilience, change in eating behavior and emotional responses referring to the ongoing pandemic.Results59% of the 434 enrolled subjects reported of being worried about the pandemic, and 63% specifically reported of being worried about their or their relatives’ health. 37% and 56% felt lonelier and more bored, respectively. 66% was hungrier with increased frequency of snacking (55%) and 39% reported more impulse to eat. Noteworthy, 49% felt unable to follow a recommended diet. No difference in terms of psychological profile was recorded among pre and post-bariatric subjects. Logistic regression analysis on post-bariatric patients showed a relationship between snacking, hunger, eating impulsivity, and anxiety, stress, and/or depression symptoms.ConclusionThe pandemic led to increased psychological distress in patients with a current or past history of obesity, reducing quality of life and affecting dietary compliance. Targeted psychological support is warranted in times of increased stress for fragile subjects such as pre- and post-bariatric patients.Level of evidenceLevel V: cross-sectional descriptive study.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40519-020-00988-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on postgraduate trainees: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on postgraduate trainees in Pakistan by quantifying the symptoms of depression, anxiety and acute stress disorder and by analysing...

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

BackgroundThe 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses a threat to societies’ mental health. This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and identified the factors contributing to psychological impact in the Philippines. MethodsA total of 1879 completed online surveys were gathered from March 28-April 12, 2020. Collected data included socio-demographics, health status, contact history, COVID-19 knowledge and concerns, precautionary measures, information needs, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) ratings. ResultsThe IES-R mean score was 19.57 (SD=13.12) while the DASS-21 mean score was 25.94 (SD=20.59). In total, 16.3% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as moderate-to-severe; 16.9% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms; 28.8% had moderate-to-severe anxiety levels; and 13.4% had moderate-to-severe stress levels.Female gender; youth age; single status; students; specific symptoms; recent imposed quarantine; prolonged home-stay; and reports of poor health status, unnecessary worry, concerns for family members, and discrimination were significantly associated with greater psychological impact of the pandemic and higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05).Adequate health information, having grown-up children, perception of good health status and confidence in doctors’ abilities were significantly associated with lesser psychological impact of the pandemic and lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05). LimitationsAn English online survey was used. ConclusionDuring the early phase of the pandemic in the Philippines, one-fourth of respondents reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and one-sixth reported moderate-to-severe depression and psychological impact. The factors identified can be used to devise effective psychological support strategies.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological status of infertile couples

Objective(s)to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infertile couples’ emotions, anxiety and future plans. Study designAn observational study was perfomed by Italian ART centers and online forums. In this study, infertile couples candidate to ART and whose treatment was blocked due to the COVID-19 lockdown were enrolled through an online survey. The psychological impact of COVID-19 was measured by Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and by a short form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Self-perceived anxiety related either to pregnancy safety and to economic crisis measured by VAS scale. Results627 patients completed the survey. The COVID-19 lock-down had a moderate/severe psychological impact on infertile patients (mean IES-R score 36.4 ± 16.6). The mean STAI score was 49.8 ± 15.3, with an overall incidence of STAI > 36 of 71 %. The mean VAS scale for anxiety perception was 45.3 ± 15.3. Women were more emotionally distressed, anxious and depressed than men (36.8 ± 16.4 vs 31.0 ± 18.4 for IES-R, respectively; p = 0.03). Notwithstanding the uncertainty about pregnancy safety, 64.6 % of respondents chose to maintain their reproductive programme. Economic crisis induced 11.5 % of the surveyed patients to give up their ART program. Respondents who had at least one relative affected by COVID-19 had a significantly higher IES-R score and anxiety VAS, but not higher STAI scores, than patients belonging to unaffected families. Conclusion(s)COVID-19 pandemic itself and the recommendation to stop ART program generated higher distress levels in infertile couples. The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in infertility patients should not be underestimated, and a specific psychological support should be planned.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Elite Athletes, Management Strategies and Post-pandemic Performance Expectations: A Semi Structured Interview Study

This article investigates the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on elite athletes, their management strategies, and post-pandemic athletic performance expectations. Based on a purposive and snowball sampling technique eighteen elite athletes were interviewed online. The questioning includes thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the pandemic process. Most athletes have concerns regarding the future (31.5%) and gained self-awareness (26.3%). 40% of athletes have been struggling with anxiety, however, 40.47 % of whom doing physical training at home while 33.33% of those are into mental training. Besides, 72.22% of athletes expect to lower their post-pandemic athletic performance. As a result of the study, most elite athletes have been going through anxiety about future enigma related to both sports environment and athletic performance. They mostly were able to overcome the process by doing physical and mental training at home. Most of them have expected to lower their athletic performance after getting back to the field.

Psychological Distress in Outpatients With Lymphoma During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cancer patients are a population at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and, also of developing severe complications due to the infection, which is especially true when they are undergoing immunosuppressive treatment. Despite this, they had still to go to hospital to receive chemotherapy during lockdown. In this context, we have evaluated the psychological status of onco-hematological outpatients receiving infusion and not deferrable anti-neoplastic treatment for lymphoproliferative neoplasms, with the aim of both measuring the levels of post-traumatic symptoms, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic and also of investigating the perception of risk of potential nosocomial infection. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered to all patients. Moreover, patients were investigated about their worries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their lives as onco-hematologic patients. Since the 2nd to the 29th April 2020 (during the first phase of the lockdown period in Italy), 77 outpatients were prospectively evaluated. They were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/Small lymphocytic lymphoma. The mean age was 56.6 (range 22–85). We found that 36% of patients had anxiety (HADS-A), 31% depression (HADS-D), and 43% were above the cut-off for the HADS-General Scale; 36% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women and younger patients were found to be more vulnerable to anxiety and PTSD. The study firstly analyzes the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frail population of patients affected by lymphoproliferative neoplasms, to underly the importance of screening patients for emotional and distress conditions and then offering them psychological support.

Covid-19 and mental health

Background: COVID-19 pandemic poses a unique medical challenge to the humanity in last few months. The psychological impact of the pandemic itself and the lockdown in particular is likely to be very huge. Aim: To assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on general population in Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods:An online questionnaire using google forms was sent to a sample of general population in July 2020. Filling of the forms was entirely independent of any compulsions and was purely. A 27- self-designed questionnaire was used for the study. Total 500 responses were received by the stipulated time. Results: A largest percentage of the respondents felt more worried and depressed, in the past few weeks. (24%) of the respondents were thinking of getting themselves tested for the presence of COVID‑19 without having any symptoms. Majority (77%) of the respondents were worried about the financial loss they were facing during the period of lockdown. (86%) and (48%) of the respondents found that this pandemic had made their existence very difficult due to which they are still adjusting themselves to the ‘new normal’ routine, respectively.Conclusion: This pandemic has created a threat to everyone’s existence to a great extent and affected their mental condition negatively, including their sleep cycle and had made them more worried and depressed.

Effects of coronavirus 19 pandemic on maternal anxiety during pregnancy: a prospectic observational study.

Objectives Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy. Methods We considered 200 pregnancies attending our antenatal clinic. A questionnaire was sent to each woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID-19. Sectional was finalized to acquire in 18 items maternal characteristics and to test the women's perception of infection. Section included the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAI-T) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAI-S). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when≥40. Results The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAI-T was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAI-T score≥40 was evidenced. STAI-S values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAI-T and STAI-S (Pearson=0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAI-S≥ 40(p=0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic induces a doubling of the number of women who reached abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing the activation of support procedures.

COVID19 pandemic impacts on anxiety of French urologist in training: Outcomes from a national survey

SummaryIntroductionThe COVID-19 outbreak in France is disturbing our health system. Urologists in training who are already known to have burnout, are in the front line to face this disease. The aim of our study was to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on young French urologists in training.Material and methodsA self-administered anonymous questionnaire evaluating the pandemic added stress, and its negative impact on work and training quality, was e-mailed to the members of the French Association of Urologists in Training (AFUF). The association includes all French junior and senior residents. The survey lasted 3 days. Multivariable analyses using logistic regression was performed to identify the predictive factors.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-five (55.5%) of the 495 AFUF members responded to the questionnaire. More than 90% of responders felt more stressed by the pandemic. Fellows and senior residents were more likely to feel that the crisis had an important impact on their work quality (OR = 1.76, IC95 = [1.01–3.13]), even more when COVID 19 patients were present in their department (OR = 2.31, IC95 = [1.20–4.65]). Past medical history of respiratory disease (OR = 2.57, IC95 = [1.31–5.98]) and taking in charge COVID19 patients (OR = 1.85, IC95 = [0.98–3.59]) were additional risk factors.ConclusionCOVID19 pandemic has a negative impact on young French urologists in training and on their work and training quality. Managing their psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing their physical health.Level of evidence3.